The Democratic advocate., 1887-11-26
A Revolutionary Rhyme.

Two weeks ago under the head of GMis-
eellany" 4 specimen Of double entendre
verse was published in the Observer, taken
originally from book entitled "Gleanings
for the Curious The publication has
brought out some interesting facts respect
ing the author of the verses and the incl
dents which attended their first appearance
in public. These facts we have had from
great-granddaughteF Of the author, Mrs
Helen Dodge Campman, resident of ,this
city, who has also permitted US to see the
original copy in the authors handwriting.
The name of the latter was Samuel Dodge.
He was born at Cow Neck, L. L, April 8,
1730, and died at Poughkeepsie, October
4, 1867. He had eight sons, all of whom
served in the Revolutionary War; the
youngest as drummer boy, The fifth
son, Richard Dodge, married the only
sister of Washington Irving The youngest
son BECAME American Minister at Tunis,
and died In that country. The original
lines, which We reproduce below, are part
of collection of unpublished verses, and
have the title Political Sentiments of Ye
Author" They are accompanied with the
following note ga controversy having
arisen between Great Britain and her
American colonies, the latter, in the year
IVA, chose Congress, who on the 4th of
July, 1776, by formal Act declared the
thirteen Colonies free and Independent
States, and seven years war commenced
in which from the beginning the Author of
these poems took an active part In favor Of
hia eountry, In the year 1779, he being
then member for Dutchess county in the
State Legislature, wrote and versifed his
political sentiments, in the manner express
ed on the succeeding page One Of the
members having procured q copy called one
day to a number of the members then in
the house (the speaker not as yet having
taken the chair to hear the political senti-
ments of one of their body. On his reading
it, some groaned and others hissed; others
threatened the calling the author to the
bar of the house to answer for his writing
and avowing such tory principlea, as they
called 'em. A stander by observing that
the principles of the author could not be
collected from the reading he gave it, but
it would bear a second reading, second
reading was called for, when the reader
(being instructed) read each verse, first the
former half of the two lines and then the
latter half Of the same two lines, and SO on;
the instability of the hearers was soon
perceivahle, that by reading the same
paper twice their execrations were changed
to plaudits and the poor author came off
clear"
The lines are here given. First let the
whole be read in the order in which it is
written. Second, read the lines downward
on the left of the comma in the middle of
each line. Third, read the lines down
ward on the right Of each comma BY the
first reading it will be observed that the
Revolutionary cause is condemned, and by
the others it is encouraged and lauded;
Harkl harkl the trumpet sounds. the din of wars
alarms,
Ger seas and solid grounds. doth call US all to
arms,
Who for King George doth stand. their honors soon
shall shine,
Their ruin is at hand who with tho Congress Join.
The acts Of Parliament. in them much delight
hate their cursed intent who for the Congress
fight.
The Tories of the day. they are my daily toast.
They soon will sneak away, who Indepe ndepce
boast;
who nOn-resistenee hold, they have my hand and
heart.
Nay they for slaves be sold, who act whiggish
On Mansfield. North aud Butte. may daily blessings
Confusion and dispute. on Congress eyermore:
To North and British lord, may honorS still be
done,
I wish a black and cord, % General Washington.